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HR professionals seek new pastures

Published: March 21, 2016

Nearly half of HR professionals are seeking for new career opportunities, new research has revealed.

A report published by Robert Walters revealed that 43 per cent of HR professionals are currently looking for new jobs.More than half (53 per cent) said that career progression is their main motivation for seeking a new role. In addition, 63 per cent said that they are planning to change roles within the next year.

Speaking about the findings, Charlotte Matthew, manager for HR recruitment said: “Growing confidence among HR professionals, spurred by rising investment by businesses in their HR teams, is leading many of these professionals to actively search for new job opportunities.”

“The profile of HR teams is growing as businesses come to recognise the pivotal role these staff members can play in improving overall staff performance. HR professionals are aware of the high demand for their skills and they are prepared to move to secure the roles that best meet their needs.”

Many HR staff are optimistic about their future prospects, with 90 per cent expecting to receive a pay rise, and 63 per cent expecting to receive a bonus.Having said this, pay is not the only priority among professionals. In addition, 13 per cent said that they would be most likely to change roles for a pay rise. The same number said that they would be most likely to change jobs in order to get a better work/life balance in another role.

Ms Matthew added: “Employers must address the priorities of these professionals in areas such as salary, work life balance and, in particular, career progression, if they wish to remain competitive in a market where candidates are in high demand. In order to remain competitive in a market where candidates are in high demand employers must recognise and respond to the desire for career development among professionals.”